By Seun Ibiyemi
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The network said the reforms had contributed significantly to the improved business environment and greater transparency currently being witnessed across the sector.
Chief Executive Officer of MACN, Cecelia Torbrand, stated this when she led a delegation of the organisation on a courtesy visit to NIMASA in Lagos, where both organisations discussed continued collaboration and strategies for further strengthening integrity in the maritime industry.
Torbrand stressed the importance of collective action in tackling corruption risks within the maritime industry, noting that sustainable change requires collaboration among government institutions, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and other relevant actors.
Executive Director, Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; (Right) making a presentation to the Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN); Cecelia Torbrand; when MACN paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Management of NIMASA at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
She explained that MACN’s work is built around three key pillars: Capability Building, Collective Action, and Collaboration/Culture of Integrity.
According to her, innovative tools, training and compliance resources, combined with sustained action on the ground and broad-based partnerships, are essential to addressing the root causes of corruption in the maritime sector.
The MACN chief executive commended NIMASA for the reforms undertaken to improve transparency and integrity, urging the agency to sustain the momentum and properly document the progress being recorded.
Also speaking, a member of MACN and Chief Executive Officer of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), Olusoji Apampa, said the progress recorded in Nigeria’s maritime sector deserved greater visibility.
Apampa said the reforms were attracting attention across the sub-region, noting that countries including Ghana and Senegal were developing mechanisms inspired by the Nigerian experience.
He described the development as “the Nigerian Miracle,” saying it demonstrated what could be achieved when government and industry stakeholders collaborate to address systemic challenges.
Responding, NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, appreciated MACN for its continued engagement and contribution to discussions around transparency, accountability and integrity in the maritime sector.
Mobereola, who was represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, expressed the agency’s readiness to deepen collaboration with MACN towards building a more transparent, predictable and efficient maritime environment.
The NIMASA DG emphasised the importance of data in demonstrating the impact of reforms in the sector.
Head, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) Helpdesk/Technical Adviser; Mr. Moses Fadipe; Chief Executive Officer of MACN; Cecelia Torbrand, Executive Director, Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Director, Reforms Coordination and Strategic Management/Blue Economy, NIMASA; Mrs. Nneka Obianyor and a member of MACN and Chief Executive Officer of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), Mr. Olusoji Apampa; when MACN paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Management of NIMASA at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
“Data is essential to show the progress being made in the maritime sector. We need to be able to demonstrate what we are doing and showcase the impact of these reforms,” he said.
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Mobereola also disclosed plans to further strengthen transparency in enforcement operations through the introduction of body cameras for officers who board vessels.
According to him, the initiative would promote greater transparency in interactions between enforcement personnel and maritime operators, while improving accountability and efficiency during enforcement activities.
The NIMASA DG expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the reform programme, attributing the gains partly to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.
He also called for the replication of successful reforms across maritime administrations in the region, saying improved transparency could have a positive impact on trade and investment.
Mobereola stressed that a more transparent maritime environment would create new opportunities for businesses while strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness within the regional maritime industry.
NIMASA maintained that its objective remains to build systems and institutional practices that make transparency and integrity not merely aspirations, but shared values embedded in the conduct of maritime business in Nigeria.
